On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Brunei Darussalam on the celebration of their National Day on February 23. This is an opportunity for Bruneians to honor their history and heritage, as echoed in this year’s theme of "Negaraku Brunei Darussalam," or "My Country Brunei Darussalam." Across Brunei, families will fly the national flag proudly for all the world to see.

This is also an opportunity for Brunei and its partners around the world to reaffirm our shared hopes for the future and redouble our efforts to work together to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century. The United States values our friendship with Brunei, based on mutual respect and mutual interest, and we are committed to maintaining warm relations in the future.